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2005 Lexus LS 430 consumer reviews

$56,225 starting MSRP
side view of 2005 LS 430 Lexus
(51 reviews)
96% of drivers recommend this car
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.9
  • Interior 4.8
  • Performance 4.8
  • Value 4.8
  • Exterior 4.7
  • Reliability 4.8
Explore the 2005 Lexus LS 430

My 2005 Lexus LS 430 is eleven yrs old

Look at my 2005 Lexus LS 430 and then take it for a ride, you won't believe the car is eleven years old. Bought the car used a month ago, exterior and interior give the appearance of a pristine, well maintained 1-2 year old car. Best car I've ever owned, ride is impeccably smooth and quiet, cannot hear the engine at all, car was purchased from the original owner with 98,000 miles. CarFax illustrates how well the car was cared for and maintained inside and out. All the luxury features are amazing. Always wanted a Lexus, now that I have one, every car I own from this point forward will be a Lexus. Best built car on the planet.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
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Two years later, still best vehicle EVER owned

I purchased the 2005 Lexus LS430 as used two years ago. Before me, it had just one owner who treated it VERY well not only with maintenance but just overall care of the interior. In the last 24-months, I have put over 40,000 miles with several long road trips. This car, by far, is the best car I have ever owned. Although my last car was also a Lexus (2000 GS-300), it is this one that has me now hooked on the brand. This car is not just beautiful to look at, it is amazingly comfortable to ride in for me and all my passengers. The last road trip had my wife and I driving 1,475 miles non-stop. After nearly 22 hours in the car, there was no aches and pains I am used to with lesser cars. My wife has a 2015 VW Rabbit, and there is absolutely no way we would take that car on a long drive. That car is fun to drive, but no where near as comfortable. The 2005 LS-430 we purchased has nearly all the available options. Only missing one or two (dynamic cruise control not part of package). But, even with missing a few, the luxury of this car cannot be surpassed. The Mark Levison stereo is amazing. Had an Aux cable installed (using the SAT button on radio) to listen to iPod most of the time. The sound coming out of the stereo cannot be topped. My teenage son and I love to crank the heavy metal music (Metallica, Nirvana, etc.) and we turn heads sometimes with how crisp and clear it sounds. After owning it about nine months, I hit a deer on the driver's side front headlight section in Wyoming. It crunched the hood, front grill, and side panel. However, door was able to still open and nothing was rubbing against the tires. We kept driving and I put another 3,500 miles on the car to get home and before it could get repaired. From the inside, you could barely tell it was in an accident. No affect AT ALL on driving and luxury. Other than the accident, the only mechanical work done to date is routine maintenance. Oil changes, tires, brakes, etc. I have an iPhone app that keeps track of my total cost to drive the vehicle, and with fuel, maintenance and deer repair I am averaging only $0.18 per mile. Fuel mileage is quite decent with this V8 rear-wheel drive. In fact it is better than the GS-300 that I had before. Around town I am averaging 20 or so. But once I hit the open road, I am getting up to 27mpg cruising at 75-80 mph. If you can get this car, get it. Simple as that. I see other reviews talking about outdated GPS, I have had no issues where we live. That is about it.....basically the best car I have owned to date and cannot wait to get back into it and take another road trip.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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After one year of 2005 LS 430 ownership

I've owned my 2005 LS430 for over a year as of July 2014: The good: 1. Smooth, silky, quiet ride 2. 18" wheels/tires provide better than expected handling. 3. Good higher speed acceleration. 4. High quality workmanship inside and out. 5. 18 - 20 mpg average. The Bad: Some issues I have had that I would not expect for such a "high rated" flagship car. 1. Mark Leverson stereo: CDs jam all the time. The sound is not accurate or high quality as implied. 2. the GPS is practically useless by to days standards. Unintuitive is the 1st word that comes to mind and overly complicated, and inaccurate. The dealer charges $100.00+ for a map update which involves a DVD tucked inside the trunk area. Phone book sync not compatible to Droid or Apple OS. 3. The front suspension is going to require a whole lot of work (80,000 miles) Developed recent loud clunking and steering sheer on even smaller bumps. (My 1996 Accura and 97 Accord had over 150,000 miles without any suspension issues) 4. $2000 + to replace the timing belt, pullys, water pump at 90,000 miles 5. Poor visibility (Blind spots) and side mirror adjustment motor works intermittently. 6. Have to lower moon roof vent manually before using the sliding moon roof. 7. 1-2 second delay when needing quick acceleration from a near stand still in heavy traffic. (very un-nerving) 8. Cooled seats don't work well compared to newer models. Heated seats are adequate. 9. If you get a flat, don't try to jack the car up and change the tire as the frame is covered with a panel that will crack. 10. A lot of wind noise when opening sun roof at higher speeds. (friends BMW 545i is whisper quiet at higher speeds) I need to determine whether I want to pump 3 to 4 thousand dollars into this car to keep it optimal and if I feel comfortable that it will be reliable for a longer period of time or downgrade for more reliability, mileage ...etc

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 3.0
  • Performance 3.0
  • Value 3.0
  • Exterior 3.0
  • Reliability 3.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Lexus LS 430 Performance

This is a very comfortable car made to experience life's moving luxurious motor vehicle. It is really a car made to the level of pursuit for perfection. I love the car and really enjoy the performance. Thanks to the engineers of Lexus motor company for their ingenuity. After experiencing the comfort Lexus brings, I will never want to drive anything other than the Lexus family of cars. Sincerely, Lexus Lover.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Does recommend this car
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Oh, what a ride!

This car has everything I wanted: Rear-wheel drive, the power of a V8 engine, and the luxury and reliability of a legendary car maker! The vehicle looks and feels much newer than it actually is. The ride is impeccable!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Smooth ride

This is my 4th LS and each has been better than the one before. The comfort and reliability has always been superb and each newer model has added little touches that make the care even more comfortable. Back seat is important in my work and my clients are always comfortable and able to concentrate on our objective and have very easy entry/exit. Service is less expensive than comparable German cars, and less frequent.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Does recommend this car
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The best! You may never need to buy another car!

Buying a used car? This is the sweet spot! Go for a 2005 430 Lexus LS with all options. Has everything you need in a car and more. Bargain! And it may even out last you!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
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Best luxury car I have owned

No questioning the luxury component of the Lexus LS 430. Most cars in this price range offer most of the luxuries that are in the LS. But, this is the "smoothest" car I have ever driven in every way. I never thought I would use the phrase "slicing through warm butter" to describe a car, but that is exactly what I feel I am doing with every action in this car. Surprisingly, it handles very well for its size and intentions. This coming from someone who has only driven sports cars so far - Porsches and BMWs, I hope means something.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Best deal for a high end luxury sedan

I love my new used Lexus LS430! My previous car was an Acura Legend coupe that I swore I would never give up. But after owning my Lexus over 3 months now I must say it is a vastly better car. It is easy to see why it retailed for $60,000 new! Leather, polished Burlwood trim, heated and cooled front seats, heated seats in the rear, voice controlled navigation and Mark Levinson sound system. Night time accent lighting in the door handles, ceiling console, and all the foot rest areas! It's like they thought of every creature comfort and then some and put it in this car. No car on the road is quieter, and the ride is so smooth. A darn near 300 horsepower V8 also makes sure this luxury cruiser is no slouch!! Will keep it as long as possible!!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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GREAT VEHICLE

I absolutely love EVERYTHING about my Lexus LS430. I bought it used and have put many miles on it with my 45 minute commute back and forth to work. No issues other than keeping oil change and I recently replaced the tires. You cannot go wrong with this. Definite head turner.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Does recommend this car
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